Nintendo's Switch 2 Reveal Delights Shareholders, Angers Kamiya

Nintendo's stock soared following the Switch 2 announcement, while renowned game director Hideki Kamiya unleashed a torrent of frustration towards those responsible for pre-release leaks. This article delves into Nintendo's financial gains and Kamiya's fiery response.

Nintendo's Switch 2 Announcement: A Stock Market Success

Shareholders Rejoice: Switch 2 Boosts Nintendo's Value

A January 16, 2025, VGC interview with Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games (a Japanese market-focused game industry consultancy), revealed a significant surge in Nintendo's share price after the Switch 2 unveiling. While Nintendo's stock averaged around $13 USD in 2024, gradually climbing amidst the escalating leaks, it peaked at $15.77 USD—a new high.

Toto attributes this increase to shareholder relief. He explains that investors feared a repeat of the Wii U's underperformance, stemming from perceived over-innovation. The Switch 2's more iterative approach, mirroring Apple's iPhone strategy, allayed these concerns. "Investors were hoping for a more iPhone-like, iterative approach – and Nintendo certainly delivered from that perspective," Toto stated. The familiar branding, unlike the Wii U, is also expected to aid consumer recognition and avoid past missteps.

Despite the positive market reaction, Toto acknowledges the leaks diminished the announcement's impact. He notes that the reveal lacked the same surprise and excitement as the original Switch launch in 2016. While the announcement offered limited details, a Nintendo Direct on April 2 promises further specifications, launch titles, and pricing information. Stay tuned for our regularly updated Switch 2 articles for the latest news.

Kamiya's Wrath: A Social Media Outburst Against Leakers

Following the Switch 2 announcement, Hideki Kamiya, the acclaimed director behind titles like Resident Evil, Okami, and Bayonetta, unleashed a scathing social media tirade against the leakers. On Twitter (X), he penned a colorful curse, wishing misfortune upon those responsible.

His frustration stems from the contrast between the successful, spoiler-free reveal of Okami at The Game Awards last year and the Switch 2 leaks. He highlighted the leakers' self-serving motives, arguing their actions negatively impacted Nintendo's potential post-announcement opportunities. He placed responsibility squarely on the leakers, emphasizing their knowledge of the confidential information and the subsequent breach.

Former Nintendo of America employees, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, corroborated Kamiya's sentiment in a YouTube video two days prior to the announcement, stating Nintendo was "very, very, very upset" by the leaks.

The detrimental effects of video game and console leaks are undeniable. They diminish player anticipation and can create unrealistic expectations, potentially impacting sales. However, Nintendo has yet to publicly address the full extent of the Switch 2 leaks' impact on its engagement and future sales.

The Enigmatic "C" Button: Speculation Runs Wild

One point of contention among Switch 2 leakers is the mysterious "C" button situated on the right Joy-Con, below the Home button. Two primary theories circulate: communication functionality and mouse controls.

The first suggests the "C" button, codenamed "Campus," facilitates communication features for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, including group chat, voice chat, and screen sharing.

The second theory proposes mouse-like control functionality, transforming the right Joy-Con into a makeshift mouse, particularly beneficial for first-person shooters. Proponents point to the Switch 2 announcement trailer, showcasing Joy-Cons seemingly gliding across a surface, as implicit confirmation.

Ultimately, only Nintendo holds the answers. Until the April 2 Direct, speculation will continue to swirl around this enigmatic button and the many other mysteries surrounding Nintendo's newest hybrid console.